Table of contents:
- Benefits of watching TV series during a pandemic
- 1,024,298
- 831,330
- 28,855
- Watching TV series shouldn't overdo it
- How to watch TV series so as not to overdo it
- 1. Determine limits
- 2. Rest for five minutes
- 3. Watch with attention
- 4. Don't watch before bed
- 5. Not neglecting other things that are more important
Self-quarantine seems to have led many people to read books, listen to music, and even watch dozens of episodes of TV series marathons. Watching TV like a series has always been associated with bad effects, but this activity turns out to have its own benefits during the quarantine period.
Benefits of watching TV series during a pandemic
If your days during quarantine feel like they are full of the latest episodes of a TV series, you are not alone. A recent study actually found that this kind of behavior is very natural when someone is undergoing it physical distancing.
According to several researchers from the University at Buffalo, USA, watching TV series has benefits to meet your social needs. The effect is similar to when you hang out with your family, go out with your partner, or spend time with other people.
Fun activities that make you feel "guilty", such as watching a TV series or reading a novel for hours on end, can actually have benefits for your social life. So, you don't have to feel guilty when you do it.
This is because the brain cannot distinguish between the original connection and the connection that arises from reading a book or watching TV. When you feel that connection, your brain perceives that you are directly interacting with someone else.
COVID-19 Outbreak updates Country: IndonesiaData1,024,298
Confirmed831,330
Recovered28,855
DeathDistribution MapShira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, revealed this in her research. He and his colleagues observed more than 170 participants about their welfare and social relationships.
As a result, there were a total of 17 different ways participants made social connections. They do traditional ways such as meeting in person, as well as non-traditional ways like watching TV or admiring celebrities.
According to Gabriel, healthy people use both traditional and non-traditional methods. Everyone also has their own technique for combining them. So, there is nothing wrong with watching TV series that have benefits as a way to make connections.
Watching TV series shouldn't overdo it
Gabriel's research clearly shows the benefits of watching TV series and similar activities during self-quarantine. Inevitably, this activity will indeed protect you from feeling isolated during this uncertain time.
TV series let you know that the world goes on even when you are just at home. The story that is written in the TV series also reminds you of the relationship with the people closest to you so that you can feel a little relieved of missing them.
Even so, non-traditional methods like this cannot completely replace traditional methods. Humans cannot be isolated forever. You still need to interact with family, friends, and partners to stay connected with them.
Despite the benefits of watching TV series, direct social interaction remains one of the factors that determine your physical, psychological and social health. If this relationship is compromised, your health can also be affected.
Watch TV series, read novels, or play games games is just an alternative way to socialize when you can't interact directly. After the pandemic is over and the situation is safe again, don't forget to meet the people you care about.
How to watch TV series so as not to overdo it
Watching TV series isn't always bad. This habit only becomes a problem when it interferes with work or makes you even more isolated. Here are some healthy tips for enjoying TV series without fear of going overboard:
1. Determine limits
So that you don't lose the benefit of watching a TV series, decide how many episodes you will watch or at what time to stop. If that seems difficult, try setting a timer for the TV to turn itself off.
2. Rest for five minutes
The brain will run automatically when you look at the screen. This is what keeps you from noticing the TV series marathon for hours. Try taking a five minute break to drink or use the bathroom to control this habit.
3. Watch with attention
Try to focus on what you are watching. If you are sleepy or even busy playing on your phone, you may not really feel like watching. You can do other things that are more fun, like call your friends.
4. Don't watch before bed
Instead of providing benefits, watching TV before bed at night will actually disrupt the sleep cycle. Therefore, try to limit your viewing time and do not watch it when it is near bedtime.
5. Not neglecting other things that are more important
Before watching, check to see if you finished all the work for the day. If you continue to ignore other things that are more important to watching TV series, then you should reduce this habit.
Over the past few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people at home without establishing many connections. Watching TV series is one of the activities during the quarantine that many people have chosen.
Unexpectedly, watching TV series actually has the benefit of helping to strengthen your social connection with the outside world. You can get this benefit as long as you watch TV according to the portion.
